CR

Aulonocara maylandi

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Aulonocara maylandi faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices in Lake Malawi. The species is heavily targeted by commercial and artisanal fisheries, with seine nets and other intensive methods depleting breeding populations. Habitat degradation from sedimentation and pollution further compounds the pressure on this endemic cichlid's rocky reef ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Aulonocara maylandi inhabits the rocky shores and intermediate depths of Lake Malawi, typically found around rocky reefs and sandy-rocky interfaces at depths of 10-40 meters. This endemic cichlid requires clear, well-oxygenated waters with complex rock formations that provide breeding territories and feeding grounds.

Rocky areas· majorCaves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Aulonocara maylandi classified as Critically Endangered?
Aulonocara maylandi is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Aulonocara maylandi faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices in Lake Malawi. The species is heavily targeted by commercial and artisanal fisheries, with seine nets and other intensive methods depleting breeding populations. Habitat degradation from sedimentation and pollution further compounds the pressure on this endemic cichlid's rocky reef ecosystems.
Where does Aulonocara maylandi live?
Aulonocara maylandi occurs in Malawi. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Aulonocara maylandi?
The main threats to Aulonocara maylandi are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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